Integrated Electrospray Emitter With Coated Silica Tip and PEEK Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electrospray emitters face challenges in efficiently ionizing liquid samples due to manufacturing constraints on small inner diameters and the complexity of connecting fluid and ionization discharge ends, leading to difficulties in achieving high ionization efficiency and sample consumption reduction.
Innovation Solution
An integrated electrospray emitter with a fused silica ionization discharge end and a fluid connection end coated with polyetheretherketone (PEEK) is developed, allowing for direct coupling with chromatographic columns and reducing the need for intermediate connectors, while a conductive coating enhances ionization efficiency and electrical isolation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the inner diameter of the emitter tip is reduced to decrease volumetric flow rates and improve ionization efficiency, then ionization efficiency is improved, but manufacturing precision becomes more difficult to achieve
Solution Approach 1:
The emitter is constructed as a composite structure with a silica core providing mechanical strength and a thin metal coating (gold, platinum, or other conductive material) providing electrical conductivity. This composite approach enables the fabrication of emitter tips with inner diameters as small as 5 μm, overcoming the manufacturing limitations of conventional metallic capillaries while maintaining the required electrical properties for electrospray ionization.
2Ease of manufacture
If conventional metallic capillaries are used for the emitter, then ease of manufacture is improved, but the minimum inner diameter is limited to about 70 μm
Solution Approach 1:
The emitter is constructed as a composite structure with a silica core providing mechanical strength and a thin metal coating (gold, platinum, or other conductive material) providing electrical conductivity. This composite approach enables the fabrication of emitter tips with inner diameters as small as 5 μm, overcoming the manufacturing limitations of conventional metallic capillaries while maintaining the required electrical properties for electrospray ionization.
3Adaptability or versatility
If separate components (sleeve and union) are used to connect the liquid connection end to the emitter tip, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The emitter integrates the liquid connection end and the ionization discharge end into a single monolithic structure. The outer surface is partially coated with conductive material to provide both fluid connection capability and electrical conductivity in one component, eliminating the need for separate sleeves and unions while maintaining connection adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The emitter is designed with a dual-function structure where the same component serves both as the fluid conduit and the electrified discharge element. The partial conductive coating enables the emitter to function as both a fluid transport channel and an electrospray electrode, combining multiple functions into a single universal component.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The integrated emitter achieves high ionization efficiency across a wide flow dynamic range with zero peak dispersion and simplified connection processes, making it easier to use for novice users and improving chromatographic performance by reducing band broadening.
Implementation Method 1
an electric potential difference between the electrospray electrode and a counter electrode generates a strong electric field within the ionization chamber that electrically charges the liquid sample
Implementation Method 2
generates a strong electric field within the ionization chamber that electrically charges the liquid sample
Implementation Method 3
the electric field generated within the ionization chamber causes the liquid discharged from the electrospray electrode, needle or nozzle to disperse into a plurality of charged micro-droplets drawn toward the counter electrode if the charge imposed on the liquid's surface is strong enough to overcome the surface tension of the liquid
Implementation Method 4
an electrostatic force on a surface of a liquid sample overcomes surface tension
Implementation Method 5
The conductive coating can be applied to the ionization discharge end through any suitable process including, but not limited to, electroplating, evaporative deposition, sputter coating, or any other suitable process
Implementation Method 6
The Conductive coating can be applied to the ionization discharge end through any suitable process including, but not limited to, electroplating, evaporative deposition, sputter coating
Implementation Method 7
An integrated electrospray emitter having an ionization discharge end and a fluid connection end is described herein. In some aspects, the integrated electrospray emitter can have an ionization discharge end comprising a material such as fused silica and a fluid connection end comprising fused silica coated by a material such as polyetheretherketone (PEEK)
Data Source
AI summary
An electrospray ionization emitter according to various aspects described herein can include an emitter body formed using fused silica. The emitter body can comprise a fluid conduit segment that includes a liquid connection end that has been coated with polyetheretherketone (PEEK) on at least one portion thereof. The liquid connection end can have a first outer diameter that is configured to be connected to a sample source to receive a sample liquid for ionization therefrom. The emitter body can further comprise an ionization discharge segment that is fluidly connected to the fluid conduit segment. The ionization discharge segment can have an ionization discharge end that is coated with a conductive material on at least one portion thereof and configured to have a second outer diameter that allows ionization of the liquid sample.